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Monday, January 16, 2012

Is it stealing? Yes or No? Why?

So this month's poll is about whether or not it is ethical to go into another Pilates studio with the intent of taking that studio or trainers exercises, work or ideas with the intention of teaching it somewhere else for your own benefit and profit.

I would really love to hear the justifications as to why people have responded with a yes or no.

9 comments:

I voted yes, but to further clarify, everything we learn and then teach could be considered a form of "stealing." We've "stolen" exercises from Joseph Pilates and are now teaching them to our students. I don't believe exercises or forms of movement are ever "yours" to claim. I'm always willing to share what I've learned with other teachers...isn't that the point?

I voted no, even though I feel the need to explain that is not a 100% "NO". So, if you go to someone else's class to learn from their teaching approach I think this is one possible tool for you to evolve as a teacher - for example consider how common it is for pilates' teachers to have and learn from mentors. On the other hand I consider it is not just stealing, it is also lying to your students if you are not honest from where and how you learnt. I mean, going to a class of a teacher from another school and then promoting yourself as being a teacher from that school, despite not spending years dedicated to that specific training... come on!

This is a tough one, I said yes because I do believe there are other's out there with that exact intent. However, as a Pilates community we should be respectable of other studios and instructors. Meaning, we are all in the same profession for the same reasons (or should be). We are putting bodies through the method of a man ahead of his time. Joseph Pilates wanted everyone to workout to his method. He had a strong vision of his work. With respect of other studios and instructors #1 give the studio/instructor the professional courtesy of introducing yourself as an instructor. #2 I would find it flattering if another instructor was teaching an exercise I taught in class. Must mean that it was a good one I feel in this industry we shouldn't be divided or feel threatened by other instructors/studios especially if you have the passion for doing what you do. There is plenty to go around. And from a business stand point, the competition could lead to an instructor/studio striving to service their clientele and be the best in their community.

I've learned from several teachers throughout the year and several different forms of Pilates. Mimic is a form of flattery. I always give credit to where I found a certain version or exercise. I feel it is different to take a few exercises that you enjoy to add to your program than a whole method. You need a strong foundation/education before you can add in other elements, to the Pilates method especially.

Isn't our true intention to help people??? If so, then this should be an industry of sharing - knowledge, exercises, students. It fosters an attitude of abundance - its not like there are a limited number of exercises - they are unlimited - so why be proprietary? Also, anyone with ill intent( i.e. with the mindset of stealing) will suffer in their business. But those who study others and work to improve their skills in order to serve their clients are aiding and investing in the world of Pilates. Like so much in this life - it is not the action but the intention that is the real issue.

I think the ultimate issue is one of giving credit where credit is due. I teach a specific style of Pilates that is very non-traditional, and I'm very explicit in my own bio about where I studied and with whom. I have training materials, and those materials credit where an exercise came from (although honestly for some, I don't remember. There are exercises I've made up but there are also others I picked up in a class, but I might not remember from where). If someone goes through my training program, I have them sign something saying that they will reference that training in their bio.

Like recipes, you can't trademark an exercise, because you can change one thing and create a "new" exercise. So, I think if you are inspired by something, you should say so because that's just the right thing to do. But, no one "owns" an exercise.

If the genuine intention is to impart and teach such knowledge to the students that is good. I look on the positive perspective why there are many Pilates studious out there which the main goal is to cater the needs of trainees to learn Pilates exercise. I'm sure they are much concerned on that matter.

Yes, since if go to classes learn some moves here and then, you improvise it and make your own based on what you learned then YES it is stealing. Unless you totally made the whole thing without checking out the other coaches.